A Very Tasty Night To Benefit Education
One of the really neat things about moving to a new home – especially if it is in a new city and/or state – is the potential variety of new places to visit and explore. We are entering our second year as residents of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and I never cease to be amazed by what this area has to offer… Even when we first heard about it, there was really no question as to whether we would attend an event taking place at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Barron County (UWEC Barron County) on Saturday, May 14th at 6:00 pm (2022) — a great benefit to education!
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And if there is one thing in life that we really enjoy, it’s exploring and taking a deep dive into what the local area has to offer. Trust me, Rice Lake and the surrounding area has much to offer in that regard.
Location
Think about it for a second. Nestled right next to the Red Cedar River, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Baron County; a branch campus of University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and located in Rice Lake, is a smallish institute of higher education with only about 500 students… and a low 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio – I think that’s perfect for an institution of higher learning.
In any case, the event is called E.A.T.S. and it is an acronym for Educational Assistance Through Scholarship. EATS is also – according to the website – “UWECBC Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year, and the proceeds not only support scholarships, but help to fulfill all the other aspects of the Foundation’s mission.”
Marvelous Aromas
The past couple of years had necessitated a hiatus (due, of course to the Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2) from the event. This year, EATS returned, celebrating its 13th year. The event “is a gala evening of gourmet specialties prepared by featured local eateries and UWECBC Faculty, Staff and Students.” Almost the entirety of Meggers Hall was engulfed in the marvelous aromas wafting through the building. And both my wife and I can attest to the fact that the food samples were awesome!
More than a half-dozen students from the university, and a dozen local businesses (from Barron to Bloomer to Cumberland to Sarona and beyond) allowed the evening’s guests to sample their offerings. There were myriad flavors representing appetizers, main dishes, and the sweetest of desserts. All evening, a guitarist added mellow background music from classic artists of the 60s and 70s.
Raffles, Silent and Live Auctions and More
The evening also featured raffles, silent and live auctions and a cash bar (wine & beer). All proceeds go to supporting not only scholarships, but “professional development funding, Campus Cupboard food pantry, and many of the other initiatives supported by UWECBC Foundation.”
It was our first year in attendance at E.A.T.S., but we for sure will be back next year. It was truly a fun evening with great food, excellent music, lively conversation with friendly people and all for an excellent cause. If, by chance you missed the event this year, you should definitely mark your calendar for next year’s E.A.T.S.!
